In response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, the Seabees have deployed around the world to rebuild, repair and restore hope
Since the inception of the US Navy’s Construction Battalions, the fabled Seabees, more than 80 years ago, these men and women who fight and build have maintained critical roles in both war and peace. When natural disasters or circumstances precipitate a humanitarian crisis, wherever it may be, the Seabees have responded with tremendous efforts to deliver aid and sustenance to those in need.
Seabees have made dozens of forays into both accessible and remote areas to bring relief to the suffering. They have built infrastructure to improve the living standards of many across the globe, constructed vital roads and bridges, and delivered lifesaving potable water and foodstuffs. The Seabees remain vigilant to serve in the humanitarian role.
“An over whelming disaster has over taken the people of the friendly nation of Japan. The cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, and surrounding towns and villages, have been largely if not completely destroyed by ear thquake, fire and flood, with a resulting appalling loss of life and destitution and distress, requiring measures of urgent relief,” said President Calvin Coolidge in September 1923 after Japan was struck by the devastating Great Kanto Ear thquake, an estimated 9.0 magnitude on the Richter scale.
Coolidge’s declaration came two decades prior to the establishment of the Seabees, but the US Navy stepped up, establishing a firm tradition of responsiveness in the wake of disaster and natural catastrophe. In the years that followed the Second World War, the Seabees maintained a presence overseas, rebuilding damaged facilities, improving infrastructure and raising the collective standard of living among the disadvantaged. They responded with alacrity to par ticipate in the recover y from a large ear thquake in Greece in 1953. Prior to US militar y involvement in Vietnam, they executed Operation Passage to Freedom in 1954-55, assisting non- combatants and French militar y personnel to evacuate the embattled country.
After the Vietnam War, Seabees continued their contribution to humanitarian relief at home and abroad. In 1969, Hurricane Camille struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, and 25 years later the massive Northridge Earthquake hit Southern California, resulting in widespread power outages, ruptured water and natural gas lines, collapsed buildings and bridges. In both cases, the Seabees were there to provide rapid relief.
During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the Seabees burnished their tradition of
